Effect of nitrogen nano-fertilizer concentrations on growth and some agro-physiological performance of Withania coagulans, Echinacea purpurea, and Valeriana officinalis in an aeroponic system

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

Abstract

Objective: Nitrogen is a critical macronutrient for plant growth and development, and the application of nitrogen in nanoscale form has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity. This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of nitrogen nano-fertilizer on some traits of three medicinal plants, Withania coagulans, Echinacea purpurea, and Valeriana officinalis, cultivated in an aeroponic system.
Methods: The trials were performed in a completely randomized design using three replications. The foliar application of nitrogen nano-fertilizer (0, 1000, and 2000 mg/L) was performed at 20, 40, and 60 days after transferring to the aeroponic system. Morphological traits, including fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, as well as the height of shoots and roots, and the number of leaves, were measured. Additionally, photosynthetic pigments, consisting of chlorophylls (a and b) and carotenoids, were identified.
Results: The results demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of nitrogen nano-fertilizer on all measured traits across the three species. In Valeriana officinalis, the highest concentration significantly increased root length, leaf number, shoot dry weight, plant height, and root dry weight, compared to the control. Similarly, Echinacea purpurea and Withania coagulans showed significant improvements in vegetative growth and biomass accumulation, although the magnitude of response varied among species. Photosynthetic pigments were also enhanced under nano-fertilizer treatment, with chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids reaching their highest values at 2000 mg/L in all species, suggesting improved photosynthetic capacity and photoprotection. Comparison of these species revealed that Valeriana officinalis exhibited the greatest growth improvement, while Echinacea purpurea demonstrated more pronounced root development and pigment accumulation.
Conclusion: Nitrogen nano-fertilizer proved to be an effective tool for promoting vegetative growth, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency in the medicinal plants grown under controlled aeroponic conditions. This study provided insights for the sustainable cultivation of high-value medicinal crops and supports the use of nanoscale nutrients to improve plant productivity.

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Main Subjects

References

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Available Online from 24 November 2025

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